After sticking with only two tight ends on their initial 53-man roster, it seemed likely the New York Jets would be active on the tight end market in the coming days. That has turned out to be the case.
The Jets have claimed tight end Brenden Bates, who was waived by the Chicago Bears.
#Bears did not wind up retaining TE Brenden Bates. He was claimed on waivers by the #Jets.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) August 28, 2024
An undrafted rookie tight end out of Kentucky, Bates had a strong preseason for Chicago. In four games, Bates caught 6-of-7 targets for 100 yards. He finished the preseason ranked second among tight ends in receiving yards, and his 85.8 overall grade at Pro Football Focus was the highest among the 48 tight ends who saw at least 5 targets.
Bates caught both of the contested targets thrown his way this preseason. He also shined with the ball in his hands, as he led qualified tight ends (min. 5 targets) with 7.8 YAC per reception.
#Jets TE Brenden Bates ranked 2nd among TE with 100 receiving yards this preseason.
All of his catches: pic.twitter.com/nBZT5iHEyN
— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) August 28, 2024
In addition, Bates can contribute on special teams. He finished the preseason with four special teams tackles, tied for the third-most in the NFL.
Bates, who will turn 25 in October, played six years at Kentucky. The 6-foot-5, 255-pound tight end was mainly utilized as a blocker in college, never finishing with more than 11 receptions, 99 yards, or 1 touchdown in a season despite playing in 37 games over the past three seasons.
New York will have to make room on its active roster for Bates. A corresponding move will likely be announced soon.
Bates will join a tight end room headlined by Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert. Kenny Yeboah was poised to round out the unit, but Yeboah was placed on injured reserve to begin the season, meaning he will miss at least four games.
